Members cliffenstein Posted September 14, 2018 Members Share Posted September 14, 2018 This isn't a true NGD, but the upgrades are all done and the end results make me feel that an NGD post is warranted. I bought a like new Squier Vintage Modified '70s Stratocaster from Guitar Center Used Gear for just $79.99. It arrived and was truly like new. I then put another $80 worth of upgrades into it (Fender MIM Standard tremolo assembly and Fender US wiring, pots, cap, switch, output jack, and pickup covers) and replaced the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan JB Jr I had from a previous guitar. At this point the guitar was really solid. I liked it a bunch, except that the neck was ultimately a bit thinner and flatter than I prefer. I've got big hands and absolutely LOVE the neck on my 2013 Fender Japan '54 Stratocaster. The stock VM70's neck is well made...it's basically a full C version of an MIM Standard modern C neck, so it fills the hand a touch more than a standard. However, switching from the 54 Strat to the VM70's was just too much for me. I ultimately decided to replace the neck, so I purchased a loaded 2015 MIM Classic Series '50s Stratocaster neck from Reverb. I also had Warmoth send me a single-ply 8 screw pickguard with my preference of two knob holes. My guitar tech put everything together for me this morning and redid the setup for the 7.25" radius. I thought the guitar was good before...my word...it's AMAZING now. And I mean that. This new neck is absolutely wonderful. It was a perfect, drop in fit for the body. Digital calipers measurements of this classic series '50s neck: .886" (22.5 mm) at 1st fret .915" (23.25 mm) at 12th fret The body and the middle and neck pickups are the only things that remain from the original guitar. PICS of my completed Fender/Squier '50s Partscaster (Punk Rock Blackie): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mrbrown49 Posted September 14, 2018 Members Share Posted September 14, 2018 Very nice! How much did the new neck set you back? Strats (obviously) make the best project guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cliffenstein Posted September 17, 2018 Author Members Share Posted September 17, 2018 Very nice! How much did the new neck set you back? Strats (obviously) make the best project guitars. Neck was $210. I bought it because it came with the tuners, string tree, neck plate and screws. So, all in all my total expense from top to bottom was $370. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mrbrown49 Posted September 17, 2018 Members Share Posted September 17, 2018 Sounds like a good deal. It's worth spending a bit to get a neck you are happy with. If you spend money on one thing, it should go towards a neck that feels right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cliffenstein Posted September 17, 2018 Author Members Share Posted September 17, 2018 Sounds like a good deal. It's worth spending a bit to get a neck you are happy with. If you spend money on one thing, it should go towards a neck that feels right. Especially since the neck drives the actual sound more than the body does. This guitar easily competes with my Fender Japan Limited Edition '54 Stratocaster now. So good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted September 17, 2018 Members Share Posted September 17, 2018 Can't believe I missed this thread. Congratulations and Happy New Guitar Day. Play it in good health. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Especially since the neck drives the actual sound more than the body does. I'm not quite sure I'd agree with that... but I do agree that getting a neck that has a profile and thickness that suits their hands is very important to a lot of players - myself included. This guitar easily competes with my Fender Japan Limited Edition '54 Stratocaster now. So good! I'm glad everything worked out so well for you - congratulations, and HNGD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Danocoustic Posted September 25, 2018 Members Share Posted September 25, 2018 Neck was $210. I bought it because it came with the tuners, string tree, neck plate and screws. So, all in all my total expense from top to bottom was $370. The Warmoth pickguard was free? Your tech's labor was free? I'm just messin' with ya. Very nice, cool project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bluesmann Posted September 26, 2018 Members Share Posted September 26, 2018 Don't ya just love it when things work out? HNGD yes indeed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cliffenstein Posted September 27, 2018 Author Members Share Posted September 27, 2018 The Warmoth pickguard was free? Your tech's labor was free? I'm just messin' with ya. Very nice, cool project Warmoth pickguard and tech labor (which was exceedingly inexpensive because this very good tech is also a friend of mine) are both included in the $370 total price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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